Colleges apply for approval to merge

The colleges could merge from April

Two colleges in Birmingham are planning to merge if they get the go ahead from the government.

North Birmingham College and Sutton Coldfield College could now combine from April.

The proposed merger follows an OFSTED inspection of North Birmingham College last year where aspects of teaching, learning and management came under criticism.

The college was then dealt another blow when it lost its principal and chief executive, Joan Short, who had worked there since 1994.

Mrs Short had previously helped the college by sorting out its economic problems at a time when other colleges were making financial cutbacks.

She advised that a merger was the best option for the small college.

Ideas for the merger are now in discussion but North Birmingham College and Sutton Coldfield College must wait for permission from Education Secretary, Charles Clarke, before plans can go ahead.